About this event

This has been a life-changing experience

Thank you so much for assisting me to further my journey in such a lovely, peaceful way

I've experienced a very real shift in my ability to be present and enjoy simple things

What I have gained from the course has given me real optimism for a calmer and happier future

-- Feedback from previous course participants

Mindfulness can be a challenging skill to learn for anyone, but we know it brings a multitude of benefits. So how can people with alternative brains still access this practice? Sylvia has lived with ADHD and PTSD for much of her life. David has neither but has lived with Sylvia for a few decades. They both have deeply committed and long term mindfulness and meditation practices and have used these skills to help and support each other to navigate these challenges.

This is a specially adapted course based on Plum Village UK's traditional Art of Zen mindfulness course, reconfigured to focus especially on the applications of mindfulness in support of neurodiversity issues such as ADHD and PTSD. Whilst mindfulness may help many people to live calmer, happier lives, this course shares some of the sensitive guidance needed to practice with mental health conditions and neurodivergency.

In the 6 consecutive sessions David and Sylvia will teach you how to meditate and ease painful thoughts and emotions; you will also be encouraged to use mindfulness practices to increase resilience and well-being in your daily life.

If you feel this type of course would support you, then please join us. Together we will explore guided practices, group discussions and practical exercises. There will be a medium group size, for a light-hearted yet deep exploration of mindfulness and neurodiversity together, in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.

Course content

The six sessions of the course explore the following themes:

• Stopping and calming
• Turning to the positive
• Loving communication
• Nourishing happiness
• Interdependence and community
• Guidelines for a happier life

Reported benefits

• Increased enjoyment of life
• Increased ability to be calm and relaxed
• Increased control of emotions such as anger and anxiety
• Improved sleep quality
• Fewer feelings of anxiety and low mood

Who can attend?

Beginners are welcome as well as those wishing to gain a fuller understanding of how mindfulness can support calm and happy living. Mindfulness is a practice originating in Buddhist psychology and supported by neuroscience; it may be practised by those of all faiths and none.

This course is suitable for partners, parents and all who work with neurodivergency, PTSD or who live with it themselves, or for people who just want to learn and understand how these differences affect peoples lives.

Many of our participants learn new ways to care for their wellbeing and are able to develop positive responses to challenging situations. This online mindfulness course is attended via the internet, wherever you are. We suggest you find a quiet space where you will be undisturbed.

Please note, you will be using a computer/laptop, iPad or phone to access each session, and will need a functioning camera and mic.

We recommend that everyone signing up for this course becomes a member of the Community of Interbeing (see our website at Join Us ).

Commitment

For this course to be most effective, we recommend that you commit to attending all six sessions and also do a minimum of 20 mins daily practice for five days each week. Creating a stable and strong practice of mindfulness is a habit that needs regular, ideally daily, practice. If you know ahead of time that you cannot make a session, then please discuss with your Course Leader so that you can understand the content of the missed session.

Course schedule

The course is taught on consecutive Wednesday evenings 7-9 pm over six sessions.

Each class is 2 hours long and the class timings are from 19:00 to 21:00 hrs UK time.

We run several courses throughout the year.

This is a live, interactive course, not recorded sessions to download.

Once you book onto the course you will be invited to a brief pre-course Zoom orientation, to meet the Course Leader and iron out any potential difficulties in joining Zoom before the course itself starts.

Ticket pricing

We ask you to consider carefully what you can afford without depriving yourself or anyone else. Supported and Concession Tickets are intended only for those who are unwaged, have a low household income and/or limited funds available. There are a limited number of tickets available in the 2 lower price brackets.

In offering a range of ticket prices we aim to make the course available to as many people as possible.

These options will be available once you click on Book Your Place.

Please note, bookings close 12 hours before a course starts.

Refund Policy

If you cancel your booking at least 14 days before the start of the course we will refund your course fee. After this time, no refunds will be possible.

Course leaders

Sylvia Clare and David Hughes

Sylvia and David between them have accrued over 78 yrs of personal mindfulness practice. They have both explored many forms of mindfulness and have been teaching it to groups and individuals for over twenty five years, either as a team or individually.

David remains an independent Buddhist but Sylvia has found the teaching of Thich Nhat Hanh worked best of all for her needs. Sylvia is also a writer and author of many books on personal, emotional, and spiritual development, sometimes co-authored with David.

Sylvia’s dharma name is Peaceful Garden of the Heart, which entirely suits her personality. David has not followed this path but recognises the profound wisdom in Thich Nhat Hanh’s teaching.

Sylvia has lived a life of coping with ADHD and PTSD both personally and with her sons. David has lived a life of coping with Sylvia and her sons.

Mindfulness is the basis for our entire relationship as a couple and has enabled us to cope with many moments of deep grief and adversity as well as great joy. Between us we have a rich resource of tips and support options for people with PTSD and neurodiversity issues and how mindfulness can support living well with them, both emotionally and managing symptoms.

We are both very committed to supporting this community of mindful practitioners. Titles specifically related to these courses are:

1. the book most closely associated to the course, Living With and Loving ADHD and Neurodiversity: Amazon.co.uk: Clare, Sylvia, Hughes, David: 9798700623629: Books

2. a personal memoir of growing up with ADHD and PTSD and how she healed through it, including the role Plum Village played No Visible Injuries: Amazon.co.uk: Clare, Sylvia: 9798628385388: Books

3. and a dictionary approach memoir to learning to manage emotions, much of it using mindful insights Travelling the Alphabet Emotionally: A journey through life's ups and downs: Amazon.co.uk: Clare, Sylvia: 9781731266743: Books

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I miss a class?

It is ideal if you can make all the classes as this way you will gain a sound foundation in mindfulness practice. If you have to miss a class and know ahead of time, do let your course leader know. They will be able to advise you on how you can continue your mindfulness practice by using the online materials provided.

What further information will I receive?

You will receive "Joining Information" in a confirmation email once you have purchased your ticket. This will confirm the information on the class timings, and how to access the online course. You will receive a further email directly from the Course Leader in the week before the course starts, inviting you to a short pre-course zoom call.

What is your cancellation policy?

If you cancel your booking at least 14 days before the start of the course we will refund your course fee. After this time, no refunds will be possible.

If you have any questions please contact us at admin@plumvillage.uk

Can I join from outside the UK?

This is a UK based event. It is fine to join from outside the UK. You may wish to use a timezone converter such as
www.worldtimebuddy.com

PARTICIPANT AGREEMENT

Please read the terms and conditions listed below carefully. It is important that you understand and agree to these fully.

I acknowledge that I am physically and psychologically fit enough to participate in this programme. I know of no reason, nor have I been informed by my doctor or health care professional, of any reason why my participation in this programme would do me or others harm of any nature.

I understand that the course may raise emotional issues. Whilst mindfulness can be helpful with ordinary anxiety and low mood, this course is not suitable for people with extreme anxiety, severe depression, psychosis or personality disorder.

The course is not intended to provide a therapeutic environment. It is not a substitute for ongoing medical support.

I agree to take full responsibility for my own health and well-being.

I understand that participants and instructors must keep everything that happens within the course completely confidential.

As a participant, I agree not to record or make any reproduction of the whole or any part of the programme, materials or electronic files and I understand that the content is protected by copyright laws.